Heart of the Cards

Twilight rushes towards Jacks room with printed papers, stopping by the lunchroom and hiding behind the corner, seeing him sit by himself at an empty lunchroom table, looking over some of his decks and reflecting on some of his memories from the past of his tournament victories. Then he takes out his “Cubic” deck looking over the cards and sighing. Unexpectedly, a golden figure places its hand on Jacks shoulder.

“Was it that obvious that I’m troubled “Venus?”

“I can always tell when your troubled Jack. I promised to help you after you took me into your fairy deck. What's the real reason you’re troubled? I know that duelist Twilight Sparkle isn’t a major worry of yours currently. Something is different, like memories haunting you.”

“Some memories that I wish would go away. I’m not what others think. A lot of people think of me as a good guy and a motivational pony…but I’m really just a demon ever since I took that “Cubic” deck into my hooves. I’m known as Crater Doomsday, and wherever I go there’s always destruction that seems to come with me.”

“Jack, you can’t mean that. The deck is the problem. It’s taking over your abilities when you don’t have enough strength to fight back. You’re not a demon. You’re a great duelist with major potential to help others.”

“And you’re a Yu-Gi-Oh Fairy-Type monster that’s happens to be a planet card. What are the odds that we're stuck together? You've helped me through a lot of battles Venus. I just wish I could change the past damage I’ve done and get rid of this “Cubic” deck for good. I don’t want to be looked at as the bad guy. I want to show others that I’m different. I’m not a monster, and I’m tired of being looked at as that or labelled. Twilight already sees the bad side of me because of how I rejected her apology and left, and I wouldn’t be surprised if she already found out some of my info. Don’t really have much else to lose.” Twilight peeks around the corner, seeing Venus disappear and Jack place his cards back in his jacket.

“(Now I realize what he’s going through. I went through all of this trouble to try to make others see the truth, but come to find out, he’s already dealing with enough. I can’t do this to him. I’ll just be placing more stress on him.” Twilight holds up the paper in a motion to shred it, until she hears more voices inside the lunchroom. She peek around the corner, seeing a group of 3 duelists surround him. Looking closer, she see them all wearing white hoodie jackets with a different picture of one of the “Egyptian Gods” on each jacket. “(Oh great. The Spirit Busters. These guys are bad news.)” One Jack stands up, looking around at them.

“What do you want? If you need something from me you can make an appointment. Otherwise, get lost.” One of the members remove its hood, revealing itself.

“Jack Crusher, am I right?”

“Why are you concerned with him?”

“Easy, we’re friendly.” The rest of the Spirit Busters remove there hoods, revealing themselves. “The name’s Soarin. These are my friends Lightning Dust and Thunderlane. You can call us the Spirit Busters. We wanted to just talk. We’ve seen how you duel with that Cubic deck of yours and we’re impressed. It’s truly a gift what you can do with that. We were actually wanting to take a swing at it if you have some time to spare.”

“I feel like I’m missing something here. What’s at stake if I accept?”

“Chill bro, we’re not the bad guys if that’s what you think. We just heard a rumor that you were one of the best around, and we wanted to see for ourselves. What do you say for a little fun?” Twilight shakes her head no, looking in on the incident.

“(Don’t you dare).” Jack looks down at his duel disk, concerned of the offer.

“Well, it would be nice to have a friendly duel once in a while. Alright, I acce-” Twilight rushes inside meeting up with jack.

“Jack, we need your help. Dash is in trouble.”

“What? Where is she?”

“On the roof. I know a shortcut. Follow me.” They both run off, with Soarin glaring at them as they run off.

“(Just this once Twilight. Just this once).”

[Academy Rooftop]

“Dash, I’m here! I’m…uh, Twilight? Nobody’s up here.” Jack turns back, seeing Twilight place a wooden log under the door handle. “Alright, start talking. What’s going on? You lied to me to get me here. Why?” Twilight turns back facing Jack, holding up the printed off papers.

“This is your information I found. I you don’t want this to accidently end up Chancellor Celestia’s hooves, you’ll stop and listen. First off, your info right now gives me everything I need to get you out, but in the process of looking for you to confront you, I saw you talking with Venus in the Lunchroom. That dueling planet card? I heard everything you both were saying, and it seems like you already have enough going on. I couldn’t place more pressure on you than you already have, especially while being labelled that other name. And second, you should be thankful that I got you away from that group. The Spirit Busters isn’t just a group that likes to duel for the fun of it. There’s a price to pay if you lose. In your case, it would be everything you worked for. Your cards, fame, fans, all of that would be taken from you. It is true that they look around for the strongest, but that also makes you a target. I’m not sure if you noticed anything unusual about them, but they each have a different picture of an Egyptian God card on the back of their jackets. Thunderlane holds “Obelisk the Tormentor,” Lightning Dust holds “Slyfer the Sky Dragon,” and Soarin, the leader of the group holds all 3 forms of “The Winged Dragon of RA.” When anyone faced them, it was game over. In the last year staying here, there were reports of 30 students who decided to leave, and 5 of them are still missing without a trace. Individual duels are different with these guys, but when it comes to the group, they’re basically invincible together.”

“So this could mean an open opportunity for me. It’s not all of the time that I get to face 3 forms of an Egyptian God. If Soarin and his group are still doing this, then they have to be stopped somehow.”

“Have you lost your mind? The point I was trying to make is to stay away from them.”

“And your point made me want to go closer. I know how little clans like this work. They start you from the weakest and work your way up to the strongest. I know taking on all 3 God cards at once would be difficult, so the best way for them all to lose is if you take out the head in charge. It’s like trying to kill a hydra. If it has five heads, the only way to kill it is to cut off the middle. Think of it as Soarin is a king and Thunderlane and Lightning Dust are disciples. Defeat the king, his empire falls along with his disciples. Take down 1 and take down all. Now I just need to think of what deck I should use.”

“If you’re really gonna go through with this, then you’re not doing it alone. The main reason I brought you up here is to offer you help. I know how hard it must be to fight off the possession in that deck by yourself. I don’t want you to do this alone…and neither would Dash. I can talk to the girls and get them to help, but I need you to trust me on this. They don’t have to know about these documents. For as far as I’m concerned, they’re just words from other people that don’t know you. Let me help you.” Jack looks away towards the mountains on the west, seeing a shine of light from over the hill. “I know it’s hard to trust new people since so many in the past have been hurt and are scared…but I not scared of you. I’m not scared of what I have to do to make this right. The more you use that “Cubic” deck, the more it feeds off of you. I can help you get rid of it.” Unexpectedly, the door behind Twilight get banged on, seeing the wooden log fall. Twilight turns back, seeing the door open with Pinkie Pie and Applejack coming out. “Girls? What’re you doing here?” Pinkie steps in the way of Twilight while Applejack staying a distance away from Jack, seeing her Nova Ring light up and duel disk activate.

“Just one thing Jack. I win, you leave for good, ya hear?”

“Did something happen that I missed? Wait a second. Twilight, you set this up didn’t you?!”

“No, I swear. I had nothing to do with this. Applejack, what’s gotten into you?” Applejack smiles, looking back at Twilight.

“Pinkie and I found out the truth with a little research. Everywhere he goes with that “Cubic” deck, there’s destruction. He’s the main cause for disappearances at his hometown, including his own parents. And here’s a funny fact. Jack Crusher isn’t even his real name. Its Kurētā do~umuzudē, also known as Crater Doomsday. I wouldn’t be surprised if you went by Kronos.”

“He didn’t change his name Applejack. The documents are wrong.”

“I beg ya pardon?” Applejack looks back at Jack, seeing tears run down his face. “Oh I see, so he was labelled. Well it suits him for everything he’s done, especially with that destroyed stadium. Put up your disk Doomsday. You’re gonna face me whether you like it or not.” Jack reaches inside his jacket, pulling out a deck and placing in his disk, seeing it activate as well as his Nova Ring lighting up. “That’s right. Now stand up straight and face me for who you really are. I’m gonna take you down.” Jack slowly stands up straight to face her, seeing more tears run down his face. “Save the water works for when you leave.”

“Jack, don’t duel! Remember what I said?!” Jack wipes his eyes, then smiles looking over at Twilight.

“Of course I do Twilight. That’s why I have a little surprise for Applejack here. Trust me on this one, alright?” He looks back at Applejack, seeing her glaring at him and smiling. “If you want a show, than you got one.”

“Let’s Duel!”

Jack [LP: 4000]

Applejack [LP: 4000]

(Readers, be aware that I did change the set up for life point count. The player who is mentioned second will start).

“I’ll start this off! I summon “Amazoness Fighter” in attack mode.” [1500] “Next I’ll activate the Field Spell Card “Amazoness Village.” It has 2 effects, but the second one should be a surprise for later. For now, all “Amazoness” monsters I control gain 200 ATK.”

Amazoness Fighter [1500→1700]

“I’ll place 1 card face down to end my turn. Let’s see what you’re actually made of Doomsday.”

“Very well. I draw! I summon “Shining Angel” in attack mode.” [1400] “Then I activate my Field Spell Card. “The Sanctuary in the Sky.” Like you left a surprise for me, I’ll leave this one for you. I place 2 cards face down and end my turn.”

“I thought you’d be an actual challenge, but I guess I was wrong.” (Strange. He isn’t using the “Cubic” deck like I hoped). “I draw! I summon “Amazoness Sage” in attack mode.” [1400→1600] “Amazoness Sage,” take out that pathetic angel!”

“I activate my face down Trap Card “Magic Cylinder.” I negate your attack and you take damage equal to your monsters attack.”

Applejack [LP: 4000→2400]

“Good to know that you wasted a card. “Amazoness Fighter,” pound that angel into dust!”

“Thanks for that, cause since “Shining Angel” was destroyed by battle, I can special summon 1 light monster from my deck in attack mode. “I special summon “The Agent of Force-Mars.” [0] “I realize it has zero attack, but that changes since “The Sanctuary in the Sky” is on the field. This card gains attack equal to our difference in life points, and that would be 1600.”

The Agent of Force-Mars [0→1600]

“Well I followed all of that, but shouldn’t you have lost some Life Points?”

“Surprise. While I control Fairy-Type monsters, any battle damage that would be received by them is dropped to 0 due to the effect of “The Sanctuary in the Sky.”

“Well that’s now good to know, cause that card’s no longer gonna be in use. If “Amazoness Sage” attacks, she can destroy 1 Spell or Trap card at the end of the damage step. Your Field Spell is a goner, which mean “The Agent of Force-Mars” effect is cancelled. That’s what I meant by wasted a card.”

The Agent of Force-Mars [1600→0]

“I end my turn.”

“Alright, I draw! Well, this should be fun. I remove from play “The Agent of Force-Mars” from the game to special summon its king. “Master Hyperion!” [2700] “I’ll activate its effect. By banishing 1 Light Fairy-Type from my graveyard, I can target 1 card you control and destroy it. I banish “Shining Angel” to destroy your Field Spell “Amazoness Village.” I guess that surprise will have to wait, won’t it?”

Amazoness Fighter [1700→1500]

Amazoness Sage [1600→1400]

"Anyway, I summon “The Agent of Mystery-Earth” in attack mode.” [1000] “When this card is normal summoned, I can add 1 “Agent” monster from my deck to my hand except this same card. I’ll take “The Agent of Judgement-Saturn.” Now “Master Hyperion” destroy “Amazoness Sage!”

“I activate my face down card Continuous Trap Card “Amazoness Archers.” Since you’re in a battle with an “Amazoness” monster I control, all of you monsters lose 500 attack during the battle phase.”

Master Hyperion [2700→2200]

The Agent of Mystery-Earth [1000→500]

“I know that doesn’t stop your attack, but you’re gonna take damage as well. With the effect of “Amazoness Archers” all of you monsters have to attack mine. Since you’re “Master Hyperion” is busy with “Amazoness Sage,” “Amazoness Fighter” is wide open for “The Agent of Mystery-Earth.”

Applejack [LP: 2400→1600]

Jack [LP: 4000→3000]

“I end my turn.”

“I draw! I summon “Amazoness Princess” in attack mode.” [1200] “When she’s normal or special summoned, I can add 1 “Amazoness” Spell/Trap card from my deck to the hand. I choose “Amazoness Call.” Now I activate that quick play Spell Card. I can add 1 “Amazoness” card from my deck to my hand or send it to the graveyard. I add to my hand “Amazoness Fighting Spirit,” which I’ll activate. This Continuous Spell card allows my Amazoness monster to gain 1000 ATK during the battle phase if my monsters ATK is lower than my opponent’s monster ATK. Now I activate the Continuous Spell Card “The A. Forces.” All Warrior-Type monsters I control gain 200 ATK for each Warrior or Spellcaster-Type monster I control.”

Amazoness Fighter [1500→1900]

Amazoness Princess [1200→1600]

“I’ll attack with “Amazoness Princess!” And with “Amazoness Fighting Spirit” on the field, she gets a 1000 ATK point boost. Destroy “Master Hyperion!”

Jack [LP: 3000→2600]

“Due to her effect, when she attacks, I can send 1 card from my field or hand to the graveyard to special summon an “Amazoness” monster from my deck in face up defense position. I’ll discard my last card my last card to special summon “Amazoness Queen.” [1800] “She has a cool effect as well. “Amazoness” monsters I control cannot be destroyed by battle. Tough break for you since she’s an “Amazoness” monster as well. And my attacks aren’t over just yet. “Amazoness Fighter,” hit him directly!”

“Not so fast. I activate my face down Trap Card “Counter Gate.” If you declare a direct attack, I can negate it and draw 1 card. If it’s a monster card, I get to normal summon it. Let’s see who it is shall we?” [!] “(It’s you. I hope you’re ready, cause playtime’s over). I bring forth to the field my planet card. The “Splendid Venus!” [2800]

“I hope you don’t think that card’s supposed to scare me. My monster can still wipe that card out. (With “Amazoness Archers” and “Amazoness Fighting Spirit” on the field, my attacks can’t be stopped with his monsters attack decreasing and mine increasing. Since “Amazoness Queen” is on the field my barrier can’t be broken. He can’t do anything). My turn’s over.”

“I draw! I activate the Quick Play Spell Card “Twin Twisters.” By discarding 1 card, I can destroy up to 2 Spell or Traps cards on the field. Looks like your “Amazoness Archers” and “Amazoness Fighting Spirit” are the cards making their way to the graveyard.”

“Ya think that’s supposed to scare me?”

“This might. I forgot to tell to about the effect of my Planet Card. “While Venus is on the field, all non-Fairy-Type monsters on the field lose 500 ATK and DEF.”

Amazoness Fighter [1900→1400]

Amazoness Princess [1600→1100]

“And don’t think I’m finished yet. I activate the Equip Spell Card “Cestus of Dagla.” By equipping this with a Fairy-Type monster I control, it gains 500 ATK. Also if it destroys an opponent’s monster by battle and you would take damage, any damage you would take increases my life points.”

Splendid Venus [2800→3300]

“Now I think it’s time to end this by attacking “Amazoness Princess!” I know she can’t be destroyed in battle, but who said you couldn’t take any damage. 2200 to be exact.”

Applejack [LP: 1600→0]

Jack [LP: 3000→5200]

Applejack drops to her knees defeated, looking down.

“I lost. But my defenses…I had everything I needed. How did I lose?”

“This doesn’t mean you should give up Applejack.” She looks up at him, seeing him walking over towards her. “A good duelist accepts defeat no matter what the cost is. You proved yourself in that duel that anything is possible. Your strategy was nearly impossible to get by. I know I would’ve lost if I didn’t keep a certain card in my hands at all times.”

“You kept “Twin Twisters” in your hand for the entire duel?” Jack takes a knee in front of her.

“I keep certain cards in my hands for some duels only for desperate times. It’s a strategy I’m sharing with you to help you with future duels. Now stand up with me. A great duelist who accepts defeat doesn’t belong on the ground.” Both Jack and Applejack stand up.

“I’m really sorry about this Jack. I guess I just jumped to conclusions too quick.”

“I understand wanting to defend your friends, as I wanted to protect my family…from me. I was only 12 when I got the “Cubic” deck, and I should’ve just left it where it was.”

[Flashback]

“My whole family were duelists, and we always trained together. I originally ran an “Elemental Hero” deck before all of this happened. I just got out of school one day, when I came across a black deck box when walking home. Being curious as I was, I took it. It had little weight to it, so I opened it and found the “Cubic.” When I got home, I was so excited about it, instantly showed my brother and sister. They never saw cards like it before like myself, but our parents were gonna be back very late, so we had to wait. During the next day, I studied my deck while talking a walk. I ended up at the park, seeing my brother getting bullied by a group of five teenage colts. I ran over to protect him, seeing one of them had my brother’s deck in his hooves. I knew him. Streak. He was the neighborhood bully in our town thinking he could take what he wants. Our uncle gave us each a deck before he passed. I just got really angry that a family deck was in the hooves of someone else, so I did what I thought was good to protect my brother.”

“Alright Streak, that’s my brother’s deck. There’s a certain way we solve situations like this around here. You. Me. Duel. Now. If I win, that deck goes back to my brother and you leave us alone. If I lose, you can take mine.”

“A deal’s a deal. But we’re doing this my way, in a shadow game.” Back then I had no idea what a shadow game was, but I didn’t care at the time. Protecting my family was my number 1 priority. I used the “Cubic” deck for the first time, and I ended him on my first turn. He easily got “Vampire Curse” on the field, but I destroyed it with “Crimson Nova.” The way he dueled was different, and with 2 face down cards, I felt like if I attacked again with “Crimson Nova’s” effect, I would’ve fell into a trap he set up, so I ended my turn…and the game ended with “Crimson Nova’s” effect. Each player takes 3000 damage at the end of the turn. Since I destroyed “Vampires Curse” in attack position, he already took 1000 damage. I won with 1000 life points left. All of the sudden, dark smoke surrounded him chaining him, and dragged him underground. When the smoke cleared, his friends ran off with my brother’s deck on the ground next to where Streak was taken. They never saw their friend leave like that, so I guess they got spooked. But in the place streak was standing, was a card. My brother got his deck back, and I took the card, and that’s how “Venus” and I became friends. I went everywhere with that “Cubic” deck and dueled people with it who I thought was causing trouble. I didn’t show my “Cubic” deck to my parents until my 15th birthday. I was in a tag duel with my parents in the backyard. My sister and were on a team. The both had the Continuous Trap Card “Royal Oppression” on the field, and since I was so eager to try out my new deck, you can probably guess how hard it was since it was mainly about special summoning. It was supposed to be a fun duel, for a bigger piece of my birthday cake. My sister just got knocked out of the game due to an attack on her monster. I didn’t want to let her down. I wanted to show her what I can do. “Twin Twisters” did the trick for their “Royal Oppressions.” I was able to the fusion card of “Crimson Nova” on the field.

“Alright mom and dad, here I come. I activate my face down trap card “Unification of the Cubic Lords.” This card allows me to fusion summon a “Cubic” monster using cards from my hand or field. From my hand, I fuse 3 “Crimson Nova the Dark Cubic Lords” to Fusion summon, “Crimson Nova Trinity the Dark Cubic Lord!” [4500] My mother was excited to see the new card, and my father was proud of me for how much I trained. Then something happened, something I never thought would happen in my life.

“Son, I’m so proud of you for what you accomplished. Let’s see what this monster can do.”

“Alright dad, you asked for it. You’re first. I attack with “Crimson Nova Trinity!” When this monster attacks, you’re life points are cut in half.”

Father [LP: 1800→900]

“Go “Crimson Nova Trinity!” Destroy “Gilford the Legend!”

Father [LP: 900→0]

He was out cold on the ground, then I saw a spiraling dark cloud surround him and lift him. It seemed like it was taking him apart. “Dad, what’s happening!?” “Crimson Nova Trinity” decided to attack, and my mother was the next target. If it destroys a monster by battle, I can attack again. I tried to call off the attack, but there was nothing could do. It took her out as well, with the dark cloud absorbing her with my father. I ran over to try to save them, but there was a Flash that threw me back. I ended up waking up in a hospital. My brother and sister were by my side. I asked about our parents, and there was no trace of them. I was left to watch over them being the oldest. I didn’t know how to take care of them, and they were getting sick, so they both thought that I could enter into a World Tournament to get some money to help. I did, and destruction carried along with me through 3 years. My last year in the tournament, I made it to the finals, but like those documents you saw and maybe some pictures, the stadium was destroyed. I wasn’t myself after that, and neither did the ponies of the neighborhood. One day, they surrounded our house calling out “Kurētā do~umuzudē,” or as you now know, Crater Doomsday. They wanted to get me for the disappearances around the town. I did what I could to protect my brother and sister.

“Taz, Nova, you both have to get out of here. If they want me, then they can get me. This situation doesn’t involve you 2 and I don’t want to place you in danger. Nova, I know how much you like to prove a reason why you should stay with me, but I can’t do it this time.”

“Jack, you can’t just give up. You don’t know what they’ll do to you. Family is family, and we stick together. So you’re escaping with us, or were going out there with you.” My brother Taz agreed. I’m still not sure, but I think he had some Australian in him.

“She’s right Jacky boy. We’re not leaving you behind. They’re circling us like vultures, so we find a way to escape, or we charge out there at them like a stampede of Rhino’s and give em all what we got. I got nothing to lose from that. What do ya say Jacky boy?”

“I say we all have something to lose from an attack. Each other. We’ll escape together.” But I didn’t mention that we we’re going to have to depart soon after. Nova was the smart one, so we took what was most important to us, got into the garage and escaped with her driving.

We drove across state from Atlanta, Georgia to Miami, Florida. There we stayed with my father’s cousin. We couldn’t stay for long, so he helped us get plane tickets to go with our Grandma. Secretly, I asked him to get me a ticket somewhere else so they would be safe if I wasn’t around. He found out about this place from the web while Taz and Nova got ready. I knew leaving them wasn’t going to be easy, so I told them I was going to the bathroom at the airport, but what I really did was leave the airport. I saw them leave, then I left 3 months later. When Rarity and Rainbow Dash came to get me after that incident with meeting Twilight, that was the first time I talked to my sister in 3 months. To hear her voice and to know that she was alright made me feel great, but still heartbroken about leaving them the way I did.

[Reality]

“If I could, I’d go back a redo everything, even when I found that deck. Applejack, when I dueled you, I didn’t use the “Cubic” deck for a good reason. The more damage it does, the more it consumes its owner. By getting rid of the deck, I feel like I’d be getting rid of my parent’s spirits. That’s why I hold onto this.” Jack drops to his knees starting to cry. “I didn’t want to hurt anybody else. I left my brother and sister, I destroyed everything around me, and I killed my parents…because I’m the actual monster.” Pinkie takes a knee beside him, hugging him.

“It isn’t your fault. The deck controlled you. If you want to get rid of the darkness inside of it, then count me in. I’ll help in any way I can.” Applejack looks over at Twilight and nods.

“Same here. I’m always up for a challenge, and to help out a friend like you would be amazing.” Jack stops crying wiping his eyes, looking up at Twilight standing in front to him.

“We already had this plan before, so I’m not backing out of it now. Let’s get the other girls.” The door opens behind them, seeing Soarin, Lightning Dust, and Thunderlane walk out, seeing the hood covering Soarin’s eyes “First, we should get passed these guys. Remember what we talked about Jack?”

“Right.” Soarin stands 10 feet away from the girls and Jack. He looks at Twilight with an evil grin.

“Twilight, it was very rude of you especially to Jack to drag him out here for no problem that you said there was. And to ease drop and take him away from a conversation I was having with him.” He turns to face Jack, smiling. “So Jack, what do you say? It seemed like you were about to accept our challenge earlier.”

“On one condition, I'll accept your challenge. You’re the only one I’m facing for this. I know about your little group here. I know about what the cost is if I lose. That should explain about the disappearances around this school from the last year.” Lightning Dust rushes towards with Jack raising her hoof.

“How dare you disrespect us. I oughta beat-” Sorain moves his hoof in front of her to stop her from continuing.

“Jack Crusher, you really should learn to respect your masters.” Soarin’s hood is removed, revealing dark red eyes glaring at him. His voice changes to a deep tone. “But what you hear is true. I sent them away in a form that nobody else has seen.” Thunderlane grabs Lightning Dust, pulling her away from Soarin as heavy wind starts to blow around them.

“Soarin, what’s going on with you?”

“Soarin you say? Wrong, I have his body. Don’t worry, Jack should know me all too well from…from the last tournament duel. You should remember Jack. I helped you win.” A shocked expression appears on Jacks face.

“It can’t be. Comet, your back? The destruction you caused, the innocent ponies you hurt, and you used me to do it. I was looked at as the enemy for years. I had to abandon my brother and sister on a plane by themselves. I…I killed my own parents because of you!”

“So I guess a thank you for the win isn’t what I get. Very well, but be warned, I am one of many you will see for your stay here. That you all will see. Jack, you can’t escape from me forever. I can help you get what you want back, like your parents, or your brother and sister-”

“ENOUGH!!!” Jack’s duel disk activates and Nova Ring lights up. “I’m taking you out once and for all Comet!”

“You’re challenging me? Very well, I accept. With this body, I get to see you hurt your friend. And one more thing.” 3 rings of dark shadow clouds surround Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie pie, Thunderlane and Lightning Dust, bringing them together. “They will be involved as well. They are unable to move in this match until it’s over. You’ll be free to move wherever you want in the Shadow Realm. From this shadow game, any damage you take will be caused to them.”

“But…I can’t hurt them.” Twilight calls out to Jack.

“Jack! You have to fight him!”

“Huh? Twilight?”

“You have to fight him Jack. Don’t worry about us in the process. I know you can do this. It’s time to face your fear.” Jack looks down for 3 seconds, then looks back up at Comet glaring.

“You’ve hurt too many ponies I cared about….well, no more! I’m ending you now!”

“That’s right, get angry. I want to see your full potential of it so I can crush you with it.” Soarin’s duel disk activates and Nova Ring lights up. “Prepare for your destruction.”

Comet [LP: 4000]

Jack [LP: 4000]

“I’ll start, draw! I summon “Armageddon Knight” in attack mode.” [1400] “When this card is summoned, I can send 1 Dark monster from my deck to my graveyard. I choose “Stygian Street Patrol.” Then I place 4 cards face down to end my turn.”

“I admire your effort, but it won’t be enough to defeat me. I draw. For a change of scenery, I activate the Field Spell Card “Mound of the Bound Creator.” While this card’s on the field, all level 10 or higher monsters on the field cannot be targeted or destroyed by card effects. Also, if a level 10 or higher monster destroys a monster on the field, the owner of the destroyed monster takes 1000 damage. Then I activate the Spell Card “Dark World Dealings.” We each draw 1 card, then discard 1 card. Now I activate the Quick Play Spell Card “Photon Lead.” I can special summon I level 4 or lower Light-Type monster from your hand. I special summon “RA’s Disciple” in attack mode.” [1100] “Since this card was summoned, 2 more “RA’s Disciples” get to come out to play from my deck.” [1100] [1100] “Now that I have that, I tribute all 3 to summon the beast of the gods sealed form. “The Winged Dragon of RA-Sphere Mode.” [?] “Yes, its attack is questionable, but its effect isn’t however. I tribute it from the field to summon from my hand, the almighty, the all-powerful, Egyptian God! “The Winged Dragon of RA!” [?] “Since it was summoned by the effect of “The Winged Dragon of Ra-Sphere Mode,” it automatically gains 4000 ATK and DEF!”

The Winged Dragon of RA [ATK/DEF:?→4000]

“RA,” destroy his pathetic monster!”

“I activate my face down Continuous Trap Card “Spirit Barrier.” Since I control a monster, any battle damage I take from attacks involving my monster are reduced to zero.”

“Battle Damage, yes, but effect damage is different. “Mound of the Bound Creator” activates. Since your monster was destroyed by a level 10 or higher, you take 1000 damage. You and your friends I should say.” Lightning strikes from the sky above “RA,” hitting both Jack and the group. They all shout out in pain, seeing Jack struggling to stay on his feet.”

Jack [LP: 4000→3000]

“(Sorry guys).”

“I’ll end my turn.”

“I draw! I activate my face down Continuous Trap Card “Call of the Haunted” I can target 1 monster in my graveyard and special summon it in attack position. I choose “Armageddon Knight.” [1400] “Since he was summoned, his effect activates. I can send Dark monster from my deck to the graveyard. I choose “Dark Summoning Beast.” Then I’ll use its effect in the graveyard. By banishing it, I can add 1 of the 3 Sacred Beast from my deck to my hand. Out of “Uria, Lord of Searing Flames,” “Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder,” and “Raviel, Lord of Phantasms,” I choose “Uria.” Just to help, I activate another “Call of the Haunted.” The only one I can bring back is “Stygian Street Patrol.” [1600] “These monsters won’t be here for long, cause 3 Trap Cards were just to help for something else. A stronger monster to be exact, like the one I mentioned earlier. I destroy all 3 face-up Continuous Trap Cards to summon, “Uria, Lord of Searing Flames!” [0] “Yeah, it has 0 attack right now, but it gains 1000 ATK for each Continuous Trap Card in my graveyard. That’s 2 “Call of the Haunted” and 1 “Spirit Barrier.”

Uria, Lord of Searing Flames [0→3000]

“For my last card in my hand, activate my personal Field Spell Card “Fallen Paradise.” This effects only the 3 Sacred Beast I mentioned while they’re face up on the field. “Uria, Lord of Searing Flames,” “Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder,” and “Raviel, Lord of Phantasms,” can’t be targeted or destroyed by destroyed by card effects. Then I’ll activate the effect of “Fallen Paradise.” Since I control at least one of these Sacred Beast, I can draw 2 cards. Now I activate my last face down Continuous Trap Card called “Escape from the Dark Dimension.” I can target 1 of my banished Dark monsters and special summon it. I bring forth “Dark Summoning Beast.” [0] “Now I activate its effect. I can tribute it to special summon 1 of the 3 Sacred Beast I mentioned earlier from my deck. This time, I bring out “Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder!” [4000] “Since “Dark Summoning Beast” left the field with the effect of my Continuous Trap Card, so does the card I used to summon it. Since it’s a Continuous Trap Card, “Uria’s” ATK increases by another 1000.”

Uria, Lord of Searing Flames [3000→4000]

“I hope you payed attention, cause my Sacred Beast are level 10 as well, so “Mound of the Bound Creator” effects my monsters as well. Now I remove from play “Dark Summoning Beast” and activate its effect. I can add 1 Sacred Beast monster from my deck to my hand. Who other than “Raviel.” Also I haven’t normal summoned this turn yet. I summon “Phantom Skyblaster” in attack mode.” [1100] “When its normal summoned, I can special summon any number of “Skyblaster Tokens” to the field equal to the number of monsters I control. “Uria” and “Hamon” make 2 tokens appear on the field. [500] [500] “Since the Tokens are counted as fiends, it gives me the privilege to do this. I sacrifice “Phantom Skyblaster” and both “Skyblaster Tokens” to summon my last Sacred Beast. “Raviel, Lord of Phantasms!” [4000] “That’s right, all 3 Sacred Beast are on the field before you.” Twilight smiles, looking over at the duel.

“With that kind of attack power, one of his monsters would have to be sacrificed, but it could end Comet right now.” Lightning Dust looks up, shaking her head.

“Wrong Twilight. Since he used the effect of “Dark Summoning Beast” to summon just one of those monsters, none of them can attack this turn. Watch.” Comet smiles, looking up at the 3 Sacred Beast.

“Congratulations Jack. You managed to get all 3 Sacred Beast on the field, but unfortunally for you, you can’t attack this turn due to the effect of “Dark Summoning Beast.”

“Then how about I end my turn with switching “Hamon” to defense mode.” [4000] “Good luck with trying to get to my monsters, cause since Hamon is in defense mode, if you want to attack any of my monsters, you’re gonna have to go through “Hamon” first.”

“Very well. I draw. How about I make this entertaining? I activate an Equip Spell Card “Mist Body.” With any monster I equip this card to, it can’t be destroyed by battle. So now, “The Winged Dragon of RA” is invincible!”

“That’s not good.”

“I’ll end my turn.”

“Alright, I draw! I activate the effect of “Fallen Paradise” so that I can draw 2 cards. I place 1 card face down. I activate the Quick Play Spell Card “Twin Twisters.” By discarding 1 card I control, I can destroy up to 2 Spell or Trap cards you control. How about I get rid of “Mist Body” and “Mound of the Bound Creator.” You’re god isn’t so invincible now is he? Especially when I do this. I banish all 3 Sacred Beast monsters I control to Fusion summon, “Armityle the Chaos Phantom!” [0]

“You destroyed your monsters to summon a weaker one. Typical.”

“Pay attention to this. “Armityle,” Destroy “The Winged Dragon of RA!”

“Destroy “RA” with 0 attack? Impossible. You fail to win this duel.”

“Like I said, pay attention. When “Armityle” attacks, it gains 10,000 attack during the battle phase. That’s enough to take out your god and you! You’re finished!”

Armityle the Chaos Phantom [0→10,000]

A huge explosion erupts with smoke covering the whole rooftop as the entire floor beneath them shake. “Finally, it’s over.” Smoke clears where the group was, still seeing them trapped in darkness. “What? They should be free, unless-”

“That’s right Jack, this duel isn’t over.” Jacks looks back towards Comets direction, seeing him still standing in Soarin’s body.

Comet [LP: 4000]

“No, this can’t be. That attack should’ve finished you.”

“Fool. I still had 1 card in my hand to discard so I didn’t take any battle damage right before the attack went through. “Kuriboh.” And I get to summon a monster from the graveyard since “The Winged Dragon of RA” was destroyed. You wanted to see all forms of “The Winged dragon of RA,” you got your wish. I reveal, “The Winged Dragon of RA-Immortal Phoenix!” [4000] “This monster can only be special summoned from the graveyard when “The Winged Dragon of RA” is destroyed and sent to the graveyard. You probably don’t remember how this card got to my graveyard. I’ll give you a hint. In the beginning of my turn, I activated the Spell Card “Dark World Dealings.” We each draw 1 card, then discarded a card.”

“That means you discarded that monster.”

“You catch on very quick. Also, since you destroyed “Mound of the Bound Creator,” I can add 1 Divine-Type monster from my deck to my hand. Who else than the original “Winged Dragon of RA.”

“I guess I end my turn. (Sorry guys. I thought I had it. Hang on for a little longer).”

“Since your turn is ending, I activate the effect of “The Winged Dragon of RA-immortal Phoenix.” During the end phase, this card goes back to the graveyard, and out comes back “The Winged dragon of RA-Sphere Mode.” [?] “Remember him?”

“(The next turn is mine Comet).”

“I draw! I place 1 card face down. Then I activate the effect of “The Winged Dragon of RA-Sphere Mode.” I tribute him to summon from my hand, “The Winged Dragon of RA!” [4000]

“Again?!”

“Do you think of me as a fool to take the body of someone that would only hold 1 copy of a powerful creature? Let us continue. Your monster only gained that much attack points on your battle phase only, but now it’s at 0. So now it’s my turn to attack! “RA,” destroy him!”

“You’ve been with me so much, you can say we’re somewhat alike. I discard Kuriboh from my hand so I don’t take any battle damage from this battle. Good luck destroying my monster, cause it can’t be destroyed by battle.

“I end my turn.”

“I draw!”

“Allow me to activate my face down Continuous Trap Card you know as “Spirit Barrier.” When I monster I control is destroyed by battle all battle damage I would take is reduced to 0.”

“(Great. Now he takes no battle damage and has a god on the field. so much for next turn being mine). I activate the effect of “Fallen Paradise,” allowing me to draw 2 cards. Then I activate my face down Continuous Trap Card “Escape from the Dark Dimension.” I can target 1 of my banished monsters and special summon it. How about and old friend known as “Dark Summoning Beast.” [0] “I activate its effect, so I tribute it to summon a Sacred Beast monster from my deck. You’re right Comet, it is good to have more than 1 of the same powerful monster in your deck. I summon “Uria, Lord of Searing Flames!” [4000] “Since my “Dark Summoning Beast” was summoned with the effect of my Continuous Trap Card and now it’s off the field, my Trap Card leaves and “Uria’s” ATK increases by another 1000.”

Uria, Lord of Searing Flames [4000→5000]

“I know I can’t attack with the effect of “Dark Summoning Beast,” so I summon “Giant Germ” in defense mode.” [100] “I’ll end my turn.”

“I draw. I place 1 card face down and end my turn.”

“(He’s toying with me. I just know it). I draw! I activate the effect of “Fallen Paradise” to draw 2 cards. Then I activate the effect “Stygian Street Patrol” in my graveyard. I can banish it and special summon 1 monster from my hand with 2000 ATK or less. Guess who? It’s “Dark Summoning Beast.” You know its effect well enough, so I destroy it to summon from my deck “Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder!” [4000] “Now I activate the effect of “Uria.” I can target 1 set Spell or Trap card my opponent controls and destroy it. You’re face down card is toast.”

“Before you do that, I’ll activate it. “Jar of Avarice.” I can choose 5 cards in my graveyard and add them to my deck, shuffle it, and draw 1 card. “Mound of the Bound Creator,” “Kuriboh,” “Dark World Dealings,” and for my last 2, “The Winged Dragon of RA-Sphere Mode” and “The Winged Dragon of RA.”

“I can’t attack, so I’ll end my turn.” The duel is interrupted by the door of the roof is slammed open, seeing Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Spike, Fluttershy, Chancellor Celestia and Dean Luna appear in the opening. “This I bad. You all have to run right now!” They all look up at the god before them with the duel in process. Luna looks at the duel, seeing Soarin in the middle of it.

“Soarin’s dueling? This can’t be right. Celestia, we have to stop this.”

“We can’t interfere Luna. From the darkness we’re seeing, this is a shadow game. A shadow game can’t be stopped until someone wins the duel.” Comet looks back, smiling at the group. “Well what are the odds of you doing this Soarin?”

“Allow me to introduce myself Chancellor. My name is Comet. Soarin is a lost soul of a duelist that I have taken control of. He’s given himself into the darkness.” Comet turns back towards Jack. “Don’t worry Jack, I won’t let them suffer this late. I want them to see you fall when you’re defeated. Now I draw. I activate the Spell Card “Terraforming.” I’m allowed to add 1 Field Spell Card from my deck to my hand. By doing that I activate it. “Mound of the Bound Creator.” I shouldn’t have to explain what it does. How about I show your friends who just showed up what it can do while I have a level 10 monster on my field. “RA,” destroy “Giant Germ!” Jack and the captured group get struck with Lightning above “RA,” screaming in pain again. Jack drops to a knee, trying to catch his breath.

Jack [LP: 3000→2000]

Luna calls out towards the duel.

“Wait, Jack’s monster was in defense position, and “RA” doesn’t have an effect that does piercing battle damage. How’d he lose life points?” Fluttershy looks up at the Field Spell around “RA.”

“It has to be the Field Spell Comet used. If a level 10 or higher monster destroys a monster in battle, the player who controlled the destroyed monster takes 1000 damage.” Comet laughs, looking down at Jack.

“Stay down Jack. It suits you for the position you’re currently in.” Jack looks up at Comet, then slowly stands up. “You still fight. How unwise. Very well, it’s your move.”

“I’ll always have fight in me. You didn’t know my “Giant Germ” had an effect. If it’s destroyed by battle, my opponent takes 500 damage.”

Comet [LP: 4000→3500]

“And since it was destroyed, 2 more come from my deck in attack position.” [1000] [1000]

“Good effort, but not enough.”

“I draw! I tribute 1 “Giant Germ” to summon “Dark Summoning Beast.” [0] “I’ll use its effect and tribute it to special summon from my deck “Raviel, Lord of Phantasms!” [4000] “Then I switch my last standing “Giant Germ” to defense mode and call it a turn.” [100] Rarity looks down shaking her head.

“This is hopeless. He can’t attack with the effect of “Dark Summoning Beast,” and “Giant Germ” is still on the field. There’s no way he can win like this.” Comet smiles with an evil grin.

“Do you hear that Jack? Your own team is doubting you. Such a shame that you would fail like this. I draw. “RA,” destroy “Giant Germ!” Jack and the group get hit with lightning again, screaming as Jack drops to both knees, trying to catch his breath.

Jack [2000→1000]

“Don’t you realize Jack? You’ve already lost. The fate of your friends were in your hooves, and you let it go. Forfeit the duel, and I’ll spare you to be my pet.” Jack slowly gets up, them looks up at Comet smiling. “What’s this, you enjoy your own defeat?”

“Thanks for that attack, cause “Giant Germs” effect comes into action, causing you 500 damage.”

Comet [LP: 3500→3000]

“I knew you would destroy 2 “Giant Germs” so that I can lower your life points. I waited for you to destroy weaker monsters of mine to make it seem like you were going to win. All you really need to do now is destroy 1 other monster I control with the same attack or lower, and I take 1000 damage. Which means I would lose. But I didn’t attack for a good reason. I had to build up my field again, with monsters you knew of. Monsters that you couldn’t destroy except by a sacrifice.” Rarity looks at the duel, confused.

“Can someone translate what he just said?” Rainbow Dash smiles, pointing her hoof at “Uria.”

“He had to build more attack power and waste a little time to power up his monsters, like “Uria.” By summoning weaker monsters, Jack kept him distracted.”

“Wait, so you’re saying-”

“That’s right Rarity. He had this planned out from the beginning.” Comet looks at Jack with a shocked expression.

“That’s not possible. You couldn’t have known. Jack, I know you’re lying.”

“Dueling for long time with you helped me realize a lot of things Comet. It gave me time for strategies. I used to duel out of anger, but that’s all changed now. I draw! “Uria,” destroy “The Winged Dragon of “RA!”

“I take no battle damage from my effect of “Spirit Barrier.”

“That may have kept you safe, but “Mound of the Bound Creator” can still help me since “Uria” is a level 10 monster, causing you 1000 damage.”

Comet [LP: 3000→2000]

“Good job Jack, cause now you have to deal with a monster from my graveyard. “The Winged Dragon of RA-Immortal Phoenix!” [4000]

“I didn’t say my turn is over. I overlay “Hamon, Lord of Striking Thunder” and “Raviel, Lord of Phantasms” to XYZ summon…”Superdreadnought Rail Cannon Gustav Max!” [3000] “I don’t need attack power to finish you off, I just need to use its effect. By detaching 1 XYZ material from this monster, I can automatically hit you directly with 2000 damage.”

“I won’t let this end like this.” A dark spirit escapes from Soarin, seeing it form into a stallion’s body with a grey coat and black hair, floating above the duel. “If you want to finish this, go ahead. Attack your friend Soarin.” Soarin looks around, confused of the situation.

“Uh, someone mind explaining to me what’s going on?” He looks up, seeing Comet. “Now it’s coming back to me. You said you would help me get the “Cubic” cards Comet. You didn’t say I’d place my own group in danger.”

“Are you really dumb enough to believe me?” Soarin looks over at Thunderlane and Lightning Dust, seeing them looking over at him in shock.

“I know how this should end then since it’s a shadow game.” Soarin looks at Jack. “Finish this Jack. I’m not gonna fight you. This duel has to end one way or another, and I can’t place anyone life at risk. I wanted to face you to see the weakness of your cards so that if we ever dueled again, I’d place my deck on the line. Comet wanted to see you fall with your “Cubic” deck as well, but there are too many lives at stake at this point. You have to finish this right now. I always wanted to win, but not like this. I’m not asking you Jack, I’m telling you to end this duel.”

“Soarin, your life is at stake. If you lose, you’ll be sent to the shadow realm. I can’t hurt you like this.”

“Jack, I’m willing to sacrifice myself for the life of 6 others. That includes you. There’s too many lives I’ve hurt since I’ve been here. If I go down, I go down fighting…and by the hooves of a friend. Please Jack, end this.” Tears start to run down Jacks face as Soarin looks over at Thunderlane and Lightning Dust, seeing tears run down there face. “Don’t worry about me guys. The fight isn’t over. Do what you can to stay up.” Soarin looks back at Jack smiling. “Watch them for me alright?” Jack closes his eyes looking down.

“I…I detach “Raviel, Lord of Phantasms” to inflict 2000 damage to your life points.” Jacks monster cannon fires, going right passed Soarins monster and hitting him directly. He screams when the attack strikes, seeing him drop to his knees and hooves when the explosion is over.

Soarin [LP: 2000→0]

Jack runs over to Soarin, dropping to his knees in front if him seeing his body slowly disintegrating into the air while trembling.

“Thank you Jack. Now, listen close. Comet wants that “Cubic” deck, and if he gets ahold of it, the academy is in trouble. There are more of his spirits around here, and you and your team have to work together to stop them.” Soarin takes his deck out from his disk, holding it out to Jack. “Take it. You never know when there’s a chance you might need it.” Jack takes it, seeing Soarin slowly stand up, looking over at Thunderlane and Lightning Dust. He raises his arm up with his duel disk on smiling, seeing Thunderlane and Lightning Dust doing the same while crying. “A spirit of a duelist…always lives on, and always fights.” His body fully disintegrates seeing his duel disk fall from his disappearing arm. Jack catches it before it hits the ground, not wanting it the break.

“Soarin. Don’t worry, I’ll do what I can to get you back.” Jack stands up looking up at Comet glaring. “Alright Comet, what’s this game that you’re trying to play?” Comet grins, turning away from the situation.

“Very well. You’ll find clues in your bedroom. Until then…” He disappears into air, making the darkness from the roof fade away and the captured group free to roam around. Jack looks down, seeing Rainbow Dash run over to him and hugging him, while the others met up with the captured group.

“Jack, are you alright?”

“…no…I’m not Dash. I did it again. I sent someone away. An innocent victim in the case. He didn’t need to pay the price of for Comet. He was used as a pawn in this game…and I sent him away.” Tears start to run down Jacks face again. “I’m the monster that everybody knows of again. But this monster now-” Jack takes off his sunglasses, crushing it in the grip of his hoof. “Has taken control. He looks up opening is eyes, revealing one of them blue, and the other closed with a double slash scar over it. “There’s something else I didn’t tell you all.” Everyone stops looking over at Jack, seeing him turn back to face them. “Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie pie, when I was in the hospital, I woke up only being able to see out of one eye. My other was bandaged. I’m guessing it got this during the duel with my parents when I tried to save them.” Jack pulls out a roll of a bandage from his jacket pocket, wrapping it around his eye to cover it up. “The damage in that battle was real, as you saw in the battle against Soarin. The electricity in the sky that struck us, was definitely real. That was real pain when facing Comet.”

[Flashback]

“I am one of many you will see for your stay here. That you all will see.”

“There are more of his spirits around here, and you and your team have to work together to stop them.”

[Reality]

“Due to what Comet and Soarin said, this new battle with these Spirits have just begun. I won’t risk putting the rest of you in danger, so these battles are mine and mine only.” Jack turns back, walking away. “Just sit this one out alright?” A blue deck box hits him in the back of the head, making him quickly look back. They all point there hooves at Lightning Dust.

“Yeah, that was me trying to get some sense back into you. Look jack, I don’t know your whole story with Comet and everything, but you remember what Soarin said. We need to beat him as a team. We need to work together in this case no matter what the cost is. If this is all real, then this battle needs to be a team effort. I know sacrifices will need to be made, but I’m willing to give up everything to help everyone around me. Soarin gave up his life to protect us, and I don’t want him to go down in vain. I don’t care what you say during this time, but I’m helping you whether you like it or not. Better learn to deal with me soon, cause I’m not leaving until this is over. I threw my deck at you to give it to you, as Soarin did. You might need some cards to help you if you want to do this. He said your team. I was a part of his. I’m not gonna be much use to duel, but I’ll protect who I can around us.” Thunderlane walks up next to her, tossing Jack a red deck box.

“That’s mine as well. I’m gonna help Lighting Dust with a barrier. Both of our decks have the Egyptian God cards in them. Keep those on you.” Rainbow Dash walks up next to Thunderlane, pulling out her deck and placing it in her duel disk holding it up.

“I really don’t know what’s going on, but don’t think you’re gonna count me out of this. I’ll duel next to you till the end.” Twilight walks up next to Rainbow Dash, holding up her duel disk.

“I’m always ready for a new challenge. Especially to help a friend.” The rest of the girls and spike all walk up next to each other smiling. Jack looks around, seeing none of them backing out.

“You all realize you could be risking your lives for this right?”

“I don’t see any of us backing out, so I’m pretty sure we’re all well aware.”

“Knowing Comet for a while, he doesn’t like to play fair. Since we’re in his game, we’re gonna have to go by his rules. We have to stop by my room first. He said that’s where the clues would be. For the rest of you, I’ll fill you in on my situation along the way. Luna and Celestia, we know you can’t leave at this point since you have an academy to watch. Try to keep everyone safe and don’t mention what we’re saying to any of them. Thunderlane and Lightning Dust, do your best to keep everyone safe. We have to stay in contact. If anything is about to go down, we’ll let you know to move everyone close to that area away from there. Let’s move.”

[Jacks Room]

Jack walks inside, letting the others in as well.

“That’s when my passed problem became my future.” He turns back, seeing a glow of light from his window. Looking closer, he sees a white coat and gold hair Pegasi staring out the window with angel wings. "And speaking of problems, I’m surprised to see you here at this time. Where were you about 10 minutes ago when I actually needed you?”

“It’s a lovely view of the mountains, isn’t it Jack? A view that might be forever lost due to the actions of Comet. Forgive me for trespassing into your domain at this time, but we must speak of this incident.” The Pegasi turns back to face him making his glow fade, seeing others in the room as well.

“And I see you brought guest. Since I know they’re in on this situation now, I mine as well explain my appearance. My name I Spark, a protector of Jack.

As all of you now know, Comet is an evil spirit from Jacks past, and also an evil spirit within him. The more Jack uses that Cubic deck, the powerful Comet gets. I hope he brought you all up to speed on the situation, because it gets worse. The clue Comet was talking about is on Jacks dresser.” Everyone looks over, seeing 2 decks of cards. “It may look like a regular deck of playing cards, but it holds more information than you know. Unfortunately, I am unable to look at them or give you any answers to their secrets, but I trust that all of you will work together to defeat Comet. After all, he is my brother.” Everyone stares at Spark in shock. “I know, it’s shocking. He used to be like me, living in peace in our utopian land, until he gave into evil and greed using that “Cubic” deck. He wanted power, so he fought with everyone with that those monsters in that deck. “Crimson Nova Trinity” was equipped with his soul. After I thought all was lost, I gave everything I could to defeat him. I managed to victor, but it only weakened him. I knew what he was capable of, so I had no choice but to banish him in the darkness. I wasn’t happy about it though. He’s my family, and the only one I had left as family where I lived. Sending him to the darkness was a great mistake. Since he was already possessed by it, he managed to escape with help from recruits. Darkness is coming for every duelist they can find, and they won’t stop until they have the power they want. They search for strong duelists with spirits who they can connect with in there deck. Jack can connect with his cards due to their bond.” Twilight looks at her deck in her duel disk.

“You mean like when I saw Jack talking to “Venus?”

“There are many more cards and spirits he connects with Twilight Sparkle. The planet card the “Splendid Venus” is only but 1 mere spirit he connects with. But you must protect your cards, for they are the light to this upcoming darkness.” Fluttershy looks down, hiding her duel disk behind her. “Fluttershy, there is no need to feel ashamed to use dark monsters in your deck to win a battle. You must do what you have to and end this nightmare. Comet has used some of his power to create replicas of himself. They all don’t look like him, but they have the power to possess others around them and use them for their strength. Duelists here are not safe.” Spike points his claw at the door.

“So now we all have to evacuate the academy? Oh sure, we’ll just tell everyone over the intercom that darkness is coming to kill everyone that currently duels. I won’t even be able to count how many ponies and dragon’s freak out.”

“And that’s a heart of a dragon dear Spike. Facing fear with telling other’s about it. Go and tell them all, and count how many stay and try to fight. You all must look after each other, but remember this, the final battle must be between Comet and Jack only. Nobody else must interfere. Reason is, jack is destoned for it, to free anyone that was hurt by Comet.” Spark places his hoof on Jack’s head, seeing his eye turn white showing him an image of his Brother and Sister together fighting Comet.

“Nova? Taz? They lost to him.” Spark removes his hoof, seeing Jacks eye turn back to his normal blue color.

“You must do what needs to be done Jack. That goes for all of you. I will be watching, but I am unable to participate. You all must stay strong.” Spark vanishes, as Jack goes to his dresser and takes one of the stack of cards. Flipping one over, it’s a picture of him on an ace card. He flips over the top card of the other, seeing a location outside at the front of the academy. He takes the rest of the decks off, spreading them out on his bed.

“Ace through 8, and each one of us have a picture on them. This other deck contains locations of the academy, inside and outside. We just need to do the work in matching it together to see who goes where.” The rest of them pick up their cards with there images, as Spike picks up one of the cards with a picture location on it.

“If we’re playing by Comets rules, and he gave us a deck of cards of us on them, then it’s a gamble. We shuffle the locations like a regular deck of cards. When the time is needed, the top card of the deck will be flipped, revealing one of the locations we’re needed at.” All cards the crew are holding all disappear out of there hooves into the dresser in a deck, as well as the cards with picture locations on them. They see both decks shuffle itself, then stop 5 seconds later. “…Twilight?”

“Wasn’t me.”

“Rarity?”

“Not a chance.”

“Then, who did that?” They all hear a voice on the intercom. A voice they’re not too happy to hear from.

“Is this thing on? Testing, testing. Oh good it works. Greeting all duelists of Sun & Moon Academy. My name is Comet, and I’d like to propose a little competition. A tournament in a way. Here’s how it works. All students of the academy will show up on multiple big screens around the campus. It will tally victories, defeats, and draws. Here’s the twist, I put out something called a Life Point Bonus Zone. If you manage to win duel and have some remaining life points, it will be your bonus score. Continue winning with life points left and your score increases. It is unlimited on how much you can win. If you lose, your score is subtracted from your opponents remaining life points. If your score reaches -10,000 or below, you are eliminated and can no longer compete. If a draw occurs, both duelists will gain a 2000 bonus score. Every duelist will start with 10,000 points. For the next 10 days, this tournament will occur. At the end, the top 32 students in the academy will face off in an official bracket. Simple right, but there’s more. Any tournament illegal card is now legal, and you can have 3 copies of any card in your deck. Have fun everyone.” When the intercom turns off, Jacks door opens, seeing Luna walking inside, followed by a mare and a stallion carrying Celestia inside, who seems to be injured and unconscious.

“Jack, he took over. We couldn’t stop him.” They lay Celestia down on Jacks bed. “She got knocked out trying to defend us, by a card of his. It’s like it came to life.”

“Just like that duel on the roof. The pain was real. Comet set up this tournament as a distraction to see if we could be eliminated so he won’t have a problem with us.” The stallion who carried Celestia walks over to Jack, giving him a card.

“I managed to swipe this before we got away. I think it’s a card of his. “The Wicked Avatar.” The names Shining Armor. My wife Cadence here is the director. I help out of the sidelines. Look, I don’t know what’s happening or what caused this, but if you plan to fight back, count the rest of us in.”

“Jack we’re gonna need all the help we can get. (Hopefully it will be more than enough).”